When Christian Bautista, affectionately known as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer, lends his voice to a track, it often transcends a mere performance, evolving into a significant moment for Philippine music. This time, he’s captivating international audiences once more with a cross-cultural reimagining of the beloved OPM classic, “Rainbow.”
The timeless allure of “Rainbow” dates back to its 2004 release by the iconic Filipino R&B band, South Border. Penned by Sharon Inductivo and Jay Durias, the song’s enduring popularity, often heard in Filipino karaoke sessions, stems from its heartfelt lyrics about unwavering love amidst adversity, coupled with a soft, warm melody that cemented its status as a beloved classic.
Having grown up with the song, Christian himself deeply resonated with “Rainbow” throughout his career, recognizing its unique, beautifully relatable charm that has allowed it to "stand the test of time." As he embarks on a new chapter with Sony Music Entertainment, his rendition infuses his signature soul while respectfully paying homage to the original arrangement.
Adding an exciting cross-cultural layer to this revival is the collaboration with Indonesia’s Raisa, a celebrated singer-songwriter renowned for her soulful voice and R&B influences. Raisa shared that she had long admired Christian’s significant presence across Southeast Asia, and after forming a friendship during their 13-city Asian Pops concert tour in Japan, the idea of a duet felt effortlessly natural. "I realized that singing with Christian feels so natural. Our voices blend together so well," she remarked.
Both artists prioritized a meaningful collaboration, choosing a song that truly reflected their artistic identities and the message they wished to convey. Raisa noted, “So both Christian and I were listening to this song, and it is one of those timeless tracks that always makes you feel something — hope, encouragement, and that sense that even after this moment in life happens, there is always me waiting for you.” Beyond musical chemistry, this duet serves as a beautiful cultural bridge, delivering a universal message of hope and love.
Transforming “Rainbow” into a duet marks its most significant reimagination. Christian explained that while they stayed true to the song's original essence, they infused their unique musicality and personal bond into it. "That song Rainbow will never ever lose its charm and beauty. Lyrics alone, melody alone. It is so beautiful," he shared, adding that performing it with a "good friend and an amazing artist, Raisa from Indonesia," made it "something else, beautiful still." Raisa further noted the seamless blend, attributing it partly to the natural connection between Filipino and Indonesian listeners, who share an appreciation for ballads, romantic themes, '90s R&B, and a touch of nostalgia.
Ultimately, their goal was to imbue this classic with fresh reflections, ensuring its message resonates even more deeply with today's audience. Christian emphasized, “We each brought our reflections into the song, hoping it would resonate in a deeper, more intimate way — wherever in the world it is heard.” You can now stream Christian Bautista and Raisa’s heartfelt rendition of “Rainbow” on all major digital music platforms worldwide.
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